Understanding The Carokann Defense

by Raymond D. Keene, Andrew Soltis, Edmar Mednis

Compiled by three grandmasters and two international masters this scholarly treatise explains in depth the thinking behind a defence that has been a favourite of champions such as Capablanca, Botvinnik, Petrosian and Karpov. Even Kasparov has been known to use the Caro Kann on occasion, for example in one case to defeat Mikhail Tal.

Genres: Chess

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book builds a strong case for adapting the Caro-Kann defense in one's repertoire of openings for Black. The authors provide many of the variations one will likely encounter. They explore the mail lines of each and do provide illustrative games. What keeps me from giving it five stars is that the illustrative games provided for a few of the variations only provide games where white wins! Granted, they provide a strategy for white which is appreciated. The subtitle of the book is "Learning a Reliable and Flexible Opening for Black". With that as a title, I was hoping to study at least one illustrative game under each variation in which Black emerged victorious. This does not diminish my recommendation. It is solid, well-written and easy enough to understand. After completing the book, I feel I am ready to play the Caro-Kann ageinst E4 immediately.

[Serge Pierro · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was first learning the Caro-Kann this book proved to be the most useful. Each variation of the defense is written by a different author, and is presented in depth with excellent verbal instruction and instructive games.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

First published in 1980, so it has none of the recent developments. It is nonetheless an excellent starting point for understanding the basic variations. The book is especially strong on strategy and has an excellent section at the beginning which discusses the pawn structures for each variation.